Eritrea Accuses Ethiopia of Border Dispute Manipulation to Incite Conflict
Eritrea has accused Ethiopia of using a border dispute to incite conflict, following comments from Ethiopian leaders on the role of Eritrean forces in Tigray. The situation raises concerns of a potential war drawing in neighboring regions. Both governments exchange allegations regarding military presence and motives, complicating peace efforts despite previous agreements.
Eritrea has publicly accused Ethiopia of using their longstanding border dispute as a pretext to instigate conflict. Minister of Information, Yemane Gebremeskel, issued a warning about the potential resurgence of hostilities in the Horn of Africa. This assertion follows comments from Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda, who accused Eritrea of seeking to exploit instability within the Tigray region, labeling the Eritrean regime as a “rogue element.”
Getachew expressed concerns that the Eritrean leadership views Tigray as a protective buffer against possible military actions by Ethiopia, claiming they are utilizing the “illegal” TPLF faction to drag the region into further conflict. In a recent media interview, former Defense Minister Abraham Belay demanded the full withdrawal of Eritrean forces from Tigrayan territory, asserting that their presence is factually undeniable.
In response, Yemane dismissed these allegations as “false,” claiming Eritrean troops are present only within their own sovereign territories. He emphasized the need for a concerted effort to maintain peace, maintaining that Eritrea does not seek to exacerbate internal divisions of the TPLF nor disrupt the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
Yemane further criticized what he termed the “conflict entrepreneurs” behind the allegations, suggesting they lack substantive insight. Meanwhile, Tsadkan Gebretensae, vice president of TIA, has warned that war between Ethiopia and Eritrea seems “inevitable,” with preparations reaching critical stages. He foresees Tigray at risk of becoming the main battleground, with potentially widespread regional repercussions.
Tsadkan pointed to the Eritrean government’s patterns of taking advantage of neighboring nations, specifically Ethiopia and Sudan, while Yemane contested, saying that Tigray should not become the site of conflict for both nations. Yemane accused Tsadkan of pursuing a “toxic agenda” aimed at annexing Eritrea’s port of Assab, alleging that the Ethiopian regime has attempted to capitalize on the longstanding border tensions. Reports indicate that Eritrea’s military presence in Tigray emerged from its involvement in the 2020-2022 conflict, where it sided with the Ethiopian federal government against the TPLF, persisting despite subsequent peace agreements.
This article emphasizes the escalating tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia, rooted in a historic border dispute. Accusations from both sides reflect the complex political landscape, with Eritrea asserting its defensive posture and Ethiopia expressing concern over perceived aggression. As military preparations advance, the possibility of renewed conflict looms, particularly with Tigray potentially becoming a focal point. The situation demands careful negotiation to avert escalation and foster regional stability.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
